How Young Is Too Young To Babysit? (One Mom Got In Trouble For Leaving Her 14-Year-Old In Charge!)

A British mom who left her 14-year-old son home to watch his 3-year-old brother while she was out doing some shopping—for half an hour!—received a police citation for "cruelty."

And that's not even the most ridiculous part.

She was also suspended from her job, because the citation (called a "caution" in England) showed up in a Criminal Records Bureau check.

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The caution also legally prohibits her from working with children for the next 10 years.

Excuse me while I go bang my head against a wall for a few minutes.

I'm not sure how old I was the first time my mom left me alone with my younger sister, but I'd bet money that I was younger than 14. I mean, I started babysitting the neighbors' kids when I was in six or seventh grade, so I'm sure I had watched my three-years-younger sister by then!

I'm not saying I'd leave Emmett alone with any old tween, but this is beyond stupid!

How young is too young to babysit? Does it matter if the sitter in question is an older brother or sister? (Like, would you trust YOUR 11-year-old to be in charge, but not another 11-year-old?)